About Yarra

Skipping Girl signThe City of Yarra was created in June 1994 following the Victorian Government's restructure of local government.

The new municipality merged the former councils of Collingwood, Richmond, Fitzroy (including North Carlton), and Northcote (Alphington and Fairfield, south of Heidelberg Road only.)

The traditional owners of the land are the Wurundjeri Aboriginal people who originally inhabited the area that is now known as Fitzroy, Richmond and Collingwood. Yarra continues to be an important meeting place for Aboriginal people in Victoria.

Yarra's suburbs have a rich and varied history which is reflected in the city's built form, natural environment and diverse communtiy composition. In the early years, Yarra was more industrial and was home to many iconic Australian brands such as Fosters Brewery, Heinz and the Rosella Jam and Sauce factory. Over the years the industrial focus has shifted to a more residential and retail mix as the population and demand for inner city living has increased. As a result, many of the former factories have now been converted into highly sought after warehouse and studio apartments.

Today, Yarra boasts more than 230 hectares of open space. It is renowned for large historical gardens particularly Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy and Darling Gardens in Clifton Hill. The Merri Creek and Yarra River, which form two of Yarra's boundaries, have adjoining linear open space reserves which are highly valued by residents of Yarra and wider metropolitan Melbourne for their recreational and nature conservation values.

Considering moving to Yarra?

Yarra Council welcomes new residents. Here is a checklist of things to things to think about if you are considering moving to Yarra.

Fast Facts about Yarra

  • Situated five kilometres from the heart of Melbourne
  • At 19.5 square kilometres, Yarra is one of Australia's smallest inner city municipalities
  • The residential population was 80,309 (in June 2011)
  • More than 34,600 households call Yarra home
  • More than 8700 businesses are located in Yarra
  • 58,000 people work in Yarra
  • About 27% of Yarra's population was born overseas
  • Yarra residents are the biggest users of non-car transport to get to work in metropolitan Melbourne


Further information
Council
9205 5555
info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

 

 

 

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